Linda Ruth Odom

Linda Ruth Odom went to be with Jesus and her beloved Jim on July 21, 2026 after a short hospitalization.

Linda was a lifelong Tennessean, born in Soddy Daisy and a long time resident of Cleveland. She kept her Sevier County address even after she had moved back to Chattanooga, probably because it got her out of a lot of speeding tickets when she traveled back to Gatlinburg.

Linda was a coal miner’s daughter and was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, James Odom; her father, Toy Sweeton; her mother, Dorthea Carroll; and her sister, Susan Douthitt.

She is survived by her two daughters, Julia Odom (Chris Pratt), Kristen Odom Holland (J.P. Holland); three adored grandchildren, Johannes Odom, Sadie Holland, & Myla Holland; four sisters, Gayle Gravitt, Sarah Sweeten, Ruby Tinney, & Toy Edwards; lots of cousins, niblings and a lifetime full of close (and sometimes rowdy) friends.

Linda graduated from Soddy Daisy High School in 1969 and married Jim just as soon as her daddy would let her, nine days after her 18th birthday. She started a nursing degree but dropped out when her children came along. She worked with Jim as a real estate agent for many years but she was most proud of returning to college later in life and completing her nursing degree. She loved caring for the babies.

Linda was a consummate and generous hostess, amateur event planner & interior decorator and had the cleanest house you’ve ever seen. She loved watching RomComs with her granddaughters and always anticipated the newest episode of Heartland. She made the best spaghetti and legendary banana pudding.

When she saw a need in others she would fill it, whether that was cleaning someone’s house, paying a bill, or planning a wedding. She would pray over anyone that came across her path and all of her friends knew she would fiercely intercede on their behalf.

The family is planning a celebration of her life at a later date. Time and place to be announced as soon as arrangements are completed.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Lighting the Way Outreach, a 501(c)(3) charity founded by Jim & Linda which feeds the hungry in Sevier County.